Related Articles

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that's perhaps best known for helping blood clot properly and promoting healthy bones. Weight loss is not mentioned as a potential effect of vitamin K by Medline Plus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. However, foods rich in vitamin K are typically part of a healthy weight loss plan.

Considerations

Vitamin K supplements are recommended only for people who have symptoms of a deficiency, the American Cancer Society explains. Abnormal or excessive bleeding or blood in the urine or stools can be a sign of insufficient levels of vitamin K in the body.

Alcoholism, ongoing malnutrition or intestinal disorders such as cystic fibrosis can lead to a vitamin K deficiency because they can destroy the bacteria that produce vitamin K. Long-term antibiotic treatment can also rob the body of vitamin K.

Healthy Weight Loss

Little evidence exists to support claims that taking dietary supplements will result in weight loss. Changes in both diet and exercise are necessary for successful dieting, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. A healthy weight loss plan should include grains, lean protein sources, low-fat dairy items, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Food Sources

Foods with the highest amount of vitamin K include beef liver, asparagus, turnip greens, broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage and dark green lettuce. Green tea and dairy products also contain vitamin K. Eating these foods as part of a balanced diet should ensure you are getting an adequate amount of vitamin K. Cooking doesn't generally reduce the vitamin K content in food.

Outlook

Weight loss always comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Cutting out extra calories from food and beverages and increasing calories burned through exercise can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise like brisk walking most days of the week is recommended by Mayo Clinic. Check with your doctor before embarking on a new exercise plan or before taking dietary supplements for weight loss.

Resources

About the Author

Karen Hellesvig-Gaskell is a broadcast journalist who began writing professionally in 1980. Her writing focuses on parenting and health, and has appeared in “Spirituality & Health Magazine" and “Essential Wellness.” Hellesvig-Gaskell has worked with autistic children at the Fraser School in Minneapolis and as a child care assistant for toddlers and preschoolers at the International School of Minnesota, Eden Prairie.